Sora was very confused now.
When Uzumaki Miyuki said it was their "first meeting," it proved she hadn't explained to Kushina that Sora was the one who found her and brought her to Konoha.
Sora hadn't told Kushina about Miyuki's situation because he didn't know how to explain it. Finding someone from Kushina's clan with the intention of replacing her as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki—the kind-hearted Kushina would definitely oppose this idea. So Sora had been carefully considering how to explain this to her.
As for Miyuki, Sora didn't want her to get too close to Kushina. The closer they became, the harder it would be for Kushina to accept the idea of Miyuki becoming the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. That's why seeing Kushina and Miyuki's good relationship troubled him greatly.
Sora was puzzled about what Miyuki was trying to do.
He smiled warmly at Kushina and said, "Kushina, I haven't eaten anything since I got back. Could you buy me something?"
"What? You haven't eaten yet? Then let's go to the market to buy some food, and I'll cook for you as soon as we get home," Kushina replied.
Sora put on a pained expression. "I'm almost starving right now. I can barely walk because I'm so hungry. I need to eat something to fill my stomach immediately. Could you get me something now?"
Kushina turned to Miyuki. "Alright then. Miyuki, let's go together."
Just as Sora was about to speak, Miyuki smiled, shook her head, and declined the offer. "Kushina, I've been hearing you praise Sora so much. I have some questions I'd like to ask him—to see if he's worthy of having you entrusted to him."
When Miyuki mentioned wanting to see if Sora was worthy of Kushina's trust, Kushina immediately blushed and muttered quietly, "Sora is a very good person. He must be worthy."
Sora clutched his stomach dramatically and said, "Kushina, I'm really hungry."
"Okay, okay. Sora, you and Miyuki wait for me here. I'll be back soon," Kushina said before hurrying off.
After Kushina left, Sora's expression changed instantly, becoming as cold as ice. "Come with me," he commanded.
Sora led Miyuki to a nearby alley. After using his sensory abilities to confirm no one was watching, he demanded, "Why?"
Miyuki looked at Sora's cold face and sighed. "It's just like the rumours—you really do seem unapproachable. The way you acted with Kushina just now made me think those rumours were false. It seems your gentle face only appears when you're with Kushina."
"Answer my question," Sora said coldly.
Miyuki glanced toward Kushina, who was buying food in the distance and smiled. "I have deep misgivings about Konoha because I witnessed the destruction of Uzushiogakure with my own eyes. Konoha, despite being our ally, remained indifferent. So, initially, I was suspicious of Kushina's integration into Konoha.
Since we're from the same clan, Kushina has been very welcoming to me. Gradually, I lowered my guard and started talking with her.
During our conversations, I learned that Kushina was deceived when she first came to Konoha. She thought Konoha wanted to take her in out of kindness, but they had an ulterior motive.
At that time, I didn't know Konoha's true purpose for bringing Kushina here. She didn't want to tell me, but she mentioned that you've been working hard for her sake. She felt grateful to you and wanted to support your efforts, though she felt she couldn't help much.
Later, I guessed that the reason you found me must be connected to Konoha's purpose for bringing Kushina here.
As a member of the Uzumaki clan, I know about Lady Mito, the wife of the First Hokage and the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
After thinking about it, I realized that Kushina must be the candidate for the next Jinchūriki, and you found me—someone of the same clan as Kushina—because you want me to replace her as the Jinchūriki. Is my guess correct?"
Sora stared at Miyuki, his brows furrowed. "So that's why you became friends with Kushina after figuring it out. With Kushina's personality, if she knew you were brought here by me to replace her as the Jinchūriki, she would definitely refuse to allow it."
Miyuki pursed her lips and replied, "If that was truly my intention, wouldn't it have been better to tell Kushina directly that you brought me to Konoha? Kushina is very intelligent. She would certainly have guessed why you wanted to find me and bring me here."
"Then what are you trying to do?" Sora asked.
Miyuki laughed softly. "Do you really not know, or do you simply not want to believe it? Can't you consider the possibility of good intentions?"
Sora's expression remained serious. "I don't want any complications. This concerns Kushina, so one can't be too cautious."
Miyuki glanced again at Kushina in the distance. "Suddenly, I feel a little envious of Kushina. Since you want an answer from me, I'll tell you directly—I am willing to replace Kushina as the Jinchūriki."
As Sora was about to speak, Miyuki continued, "I'm sure you want to ask why. I've grown to care for Kushina greatly, not just because she's from my clan but because she's become my friend. I don't want her to become a Jinchūriki.
Moreover, though I have misgivings about Konoha, at least it has provided me with a stable life. This can be my way of repaying you for bringing me to Konoha.
So when the time comes for me to become the Jinchūriki, I won't refuse. And I'll tell Kushina that this is my own decision."
Sora studied Miyuki's face carefully. "If that's truly the case, that would be excellent. Thank you. Don't worry—after becoming the Jinchūriki, with your Uzumaki clan's vitality and the sealing techniques you're learning now. You won't be in danger. Konoha will protect you with all its strength."
Miyuki smiled at Sora but said nothing more.
Soon, Kushina returned with food and found Sora and Miyuki. "Why are you both here in this alley?"
Sora smiled. "The street was too noisy. I couldn't hear what Miyuki was saying, so we came here to talk."
"Really?" Kushina didn't think much about it and handed Sora the three-coloured dumplings she had just bought. "Here, eat these quickly to settle your stomach a bit. I'll make something delicious when we get home."
Sora took a bite of the dumplings and smiled. "Great, I'm looking forward to the meal you'll cook tonight, Kushina."
Kushina put her hands on her hips and hummed proudly. "You'd better not leave even a scrap on your plate!"
As Sora and Kushina walked ahead, chatting and laughing, Miyuki watched them with longing in her eyes.
She had always been alone, struggling to survive. She, too, hoped to have someone who would protect her at all costs, the way Sora did for Kushina.
Noticing that Miyuki wasn't following, Kushina turned and waved. "Miyuki, come on!"
Miyuki smiled. "Coming!"
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